 This day in Army history, June 6, 1944, Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion of Normandy, began. At 0-200 that morning, the US 82nd and 101st, along with the British 6th Airborne divisions, were dropped behind German lines to secure logistical routes. While the amphibious assault waves began landing at 0-6-30, British and Canadian forces landed at Gold, Sword and Juno beaches, with American forces landing at Omaha and Utah beaches. The US 4th Infantry Division on Utah Beach had light resistance, but the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions met determined opposition at Omaha Beach. The Army Rangers scaled the cliffs at Pointe de Hoc in a heroic and costly battle. By nightfall of the first day, large contingents of Allied forces had a firm foothold on Hitler's fortress Europe. For more information about the Army's proud history, go to history.army.mil.